The Western Australian Environment Minister Donna Faragher has upheld appeals made by Gindalbie Metals against conditions placed on the hematite and magnetite phases at its Karara Iron Ore Project.
In a statement of Friday, the Minister also announced she had upheld an appeal on the Terapod hematite deposit, clearing the way for mining to begin.
The company had appealed against the conditions and recommendations made by the State’s Environmental Protection Authority, citing inconsistencies and ambiguities in the report.
The Minister upheld the majority of the appeal points and will now consult with other relevant Ministers to obtain agreement on the final conditions for the approval of the Karara Project.
The company offered to relinquish its tenements in the Mungada Ridge if the Karara, Blue Hills North and Terapod orebodies were approved for development.
According to Gindalbie managing director Garret Dixon, the company is confident that final approval can be achieved in the current quarter.
“This would enable us to be on site in the December quarter to commence construction and development activities,” he said.